Gnetum costatum

K. Schumann

Gnetaceae Edible: Fruit, Kernels, Leaves, Flowers, Nuts Potential hazards — see below 3 iNaturalist observations

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Description

A tree which loses its leaves. It grows 15-20 m tall. The bark is reddish-brown. The leaves are broadly oval and 15-18 cm long. They taper at both ends. The leaf stalk is 0.5 cm long. Male and female flowers are separate. The male flowering shoots occur singly in the axils of leaves. They are 6-7 cm long and simple. The flowers do not have stalks and occur in rings. The female flowers have fine white hairs. The fruit are nut-like and taper at both ends. They are 4 cm long by 1 cm wide. They can be red or pink. The seed taper and have furrows.

Edible Uses

The fruit are boiled and eaten after extended cooking to remove bitterness. Male and female flowers and leaves are also cooked and eaten.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are boiled and eaten. They need to be cooked for a longer time than "tu-lip" Gnetum gnemon fruit to remove the bitter taste. The male and female flowerers and leaves are also cooked and eaten.

Known Hazards

Many Gnetum species are edible, with the seeds being roasted, and the foliage used as a leaf vegetable. The plant is harvested and yields a useful fiber. There is no sense of danger in consuming the fruit or the seeds. There is also a study done on the plant to see if it has any medicinal properties, finding some anti-coagulation effects due to its stilbenoid content. The family Gnetaceae is well known as a rich source of plant-derived stilbenoids as well as Cyperaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Fabaceae, and Vitaceae.

Distribution

A tropical plant. It grows in rainforest up to 1350 m altitude. It can be on ridge tops or along streams. It does not grow in swamps. It does best where there are distinct wet and dry seasons.

Where It Grows

Asia, Indonesia (Papua), Pacific, Papua New Guinea, PNG, SE Asia, Solomon Islands,

Cultivation

A plant of the moist tropics, where it is found at elevations up to 1,350 metres. Areas experiencing both wet and dry seasons seem to be ideal for the species. Species in this genus usually prefer a position in light to deep shade, growing best in a moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil. A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Other Uses

The inner bark provides a fibre which is used for making string bags known as 'bilum'. The wood is of no commercial value.

Notes

There are about 28 Gnetum species.

References (8)

French, B.R., 2010, Food Plants of Solomon Islands. A Compendium. Food Plants International Inc. p 69
Plants of Papua New Guinea LAE herbarium record
PROSEA (Plant Resources of South East Asia) handbook, Volume 2, 1991, Edible fruits and nut. p 181
K. M. Schumann & U. M. Hollrung, Fl. Kais. Wilh. Land 13. 1889
van Wyk, B., 2005, Food Plants of the World. An illustrated guide. Timber press. p 203

Show all 8 references

Walter, A. & Sam C., 2002, Fruits of Oceania. ACIAR Monograph No. 85. Canberra. p 178, 280
Wickens, G.E., 1995, Edible Nuts. FAO Non-wood forest products. FAO, Rome. p 175
www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/treedb/